New York Life Foundation awards $6,500 to Hamilton City Schools to expand grief-support program

Hamilton City Schools accepted a $6,500 grant from the New York Life Foundation to expand grief-support services run in partnership with Companions on a Journey.

Supervisor of Mental Health Alex Sorrentino introduced the initiative, saying the district will use the funds to train staff so they are "grief informed and sensitive to our students' needs," and to ensure supports follow students from kindergarten through 12th grade. "We were so fortunate to have that opportunity come to us through our long established partners of Companions on a Journey," Sorrentino said.

A New York Life representative presented a ceremonial check and noted the local need. Carol Merrill said it was "our honor to present a check to Hamilton City Schools in the amount of $6,500 from the New York Life Foundation" and emphasized the importance of school-based grief supports. Another presenter cited statistics discussed at the meeting, noting that roughly 1 in 10 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before age 18 and that bereavement can increase suicide risk.

Board members thanked the partners and noted the grant will fund staff training and program continuity so students can access supports districtwide. There was no formal board vote recorded on the grant at the meeting; the presentation concluded with ceremonial remarks and district thanks.

The district said the funding will be applied to the grief-sensitive schools initiative run in coordination with Companions on a Journey and used for staff training, student supports and family resources going forward.